Slugger 3GL: perennial ryegrass cultivar profile

Slugger 3GL is a perennial ryegrass cultivar developed for high-quality managed turf and listed by the Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST^®).

Its standout characteristic is Gray Leaf Spot resistance, supported by strong turf quality, dark genetic color, performance under traffic stress and spring green-up in NTEP testing.

Slugger 3GL at a glance

Slugger 3GL performance

Independent NTEP testing provides comparative information on turfgrass cultivar performance under defined trial conditions. NTEP turfgrass ratings use a 1–9 scale, with 9 representing the highest rating.

Slugger 3GL recorded a Gray Leaf Spot resistance rating of 8.7 in the 2017 NTEP perennial ryegrass trials, alongside strong results across a range of other turf characteristics.

Turf quality was also assessed under two management schedules with different mowing heights. Schedule A represents higher-maintenance fairway conditions, with turf maintained at 13–19 mm, while Schedule B represents medium-maintenance athletic field conditions, with turf maintained at 25–51 mm.

The results show that Slugger 3GL’s performance extends beyond disease resistance. Its genetic colour and performance under traffic stress are particularly relevant where appearance and wear are important considerations.

Slugger 3GL recorded strong genetic color and performance under traffic stress in 2017 NTEP trials.

Gray Leaf Spot resistance

Slugger 3GL has strong Gray Leaf Spot resistance.

In NTEP testing, Slugger 3GL recorded a rating of 8.7 out of 9.0 for Gray Leaf Spot resistance. This placed it among the highest-rated cultivars in the trial for this characteristic.

That level of resistance is particularly relevant for perennial ryegrass, where Gray Leaf Spot can cause rapid loss of turf quality under favorable disease conditions.

Color and visual quality

Slugger 3GL has dark genetic color and recorded a 6.8 rating for genetic color in NTEP testing.

Its dark-green appearance allows it to blend well with other high-quality perennial ryegrass cultivars while maintaining strong visual quality as a straight cultivar.

Wear performance and spring green-up

Slugger 3GL performs well under traffic stress, recording a turf quality rating of 6.2 under traffic in NTEP testing.

It also recorded 6.6 for spring green-up, supporting earlier seasonal recovery and appearance as growth resumes.

These characteristics make Slugger 3GL particularly suited to turf exposed to regular wear and where maintaining quality under traffic is important.

Where is Slugger 3GL suited?

Slugger 3GL can be used for establishment, renovation and overseeding across a range of managed turf applications, including sports turf, golf tees, fairways and roughs. It is also suitable for overseeding dormant warm-season turf.

Establishment and overseeding

Slugger 3GL can be used for new establishment or for renovation and overseeding of existing turf. For best results, establish into prepared bare soil or after verticutting to improve seed-to-soil contact.

• New establishment: 25–35 g/m²
• Renovation and reseeding: 15–25 g/m²
• Overseeding dormant warm-season turf: 35–50 g/m²

Good seed-to-soil contact and adequate moisture during establishment will help support successful germination and turf development.

Slugger 3GL in the ProSelect range

Slugger 3GL is available as a ProSelect Straight for turf managers who want to use the cultivar on its own, and is also included within selected ProSelect blends.

Straight:

• ProSelect Slugger 3GL is a perennial ryegrass Straight containing the Slugger 3GL cultivar, for establishment, renovation and overseeding.

Blends:

• ProSelect Renovator 3GLD blends Slugger 3GL with Stellar 4GL and Fastball 3GL, bringing together three perennial ryegrass cultivars selected for turf performance and disease tolerance.